With a unique scientific conference, the SUM Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec celebrated the 75th anniversary of our University. The conference, entitled "Challenges of Contemporary Oncology" and thus devoted to showing many aspects, perspectives and challenges related to the epidemiology and treatment of cancer, was part of a worldwide trend: first of all, prevention, detection of cancerous changes at the earliest possible stage of development, and precise, targeted treatment. Only our vigilance and knowledge, the inquisitiveness of doctors, gives us a chance.
- I am extremely proud that today we can host the Rector of our University, Prof. Tomasz Szczepański, who will give an inaugural lecture on modern treatment of leukaemia in children," said WNF Dean Dr. Robert Wojtyczka.
Prof Szczepanski devoted his speech to the treatment and advances in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and new types of therapy that significantly improve the chances of young patients. - "In the 1960s, such a diagnosis was unfortunately a death sentence for most patients. Now we can offer patients a 'tailor-made' therapy, we have Car-T, which saves patients' lives in extremely difficult cases," assessed Professor Szczepański, Head of the Department of Paediatrics, Haematology and Paediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Zabrze SUM.
Shocking data on cancers of the head and neck region (significantly increasing incidence) were presented by Prof Jarosław Markowski, Head of the Department of Laryngology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Katowice. The statistics are unfavourable. These cancers are difficult to detect. Patients present with symptoms too late. And prolonged hoarseness, nasal obstruction, sore throat lasting more than three weeks should arouse our concern. - The combination of smoking and alcohol are lethal. Let us remember that cancers of the head and neck are cancers of the larynx, salivary glands, ear, tonsils, nose or sinuses, the specialist reminded.
The increase in the incidence of the disease was also influenced by the government's introduction of HPV vaccination at the latest in Europe.
This issue was referred to by the next speaker, Professor Rafał Stojko, Head of the Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Oncology,
Faculty of Health Sciences, SUM Katowice. In an extremely concrete and illustrative manner, he discussed issues related to the genetic 'inheritance' of cancer in both women and men. He devoted his lecture particularly to insidious ovarian cancer and methods of modern surgery.
The importance of the immune system in the pathogenesis of cancer was discussed by Prof Zenon Czuba, Head of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, SUM in Zabrze.
